Bsun Avocado vs. HC Studio Crabapple
An in-depth look at the Bsun Avocado and the HC Studio Crabapple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Avocado and HC Studio Crabapple offer unique typing experiences that cater to different preferences. The Bsun Avocado is a tactile switch that is praised for its snappy and responsive bump, providing a satisfying feedback without being overwhelming. On the other hand, the HC Studio Crabapple is a linear switch crafted entirely from POM, offering an effortlessly frictionless typing journey with a distinct dry smoothness and subtle texture felt with each downstroke. While the Avocado is known for its accentuated tactility, the Crabapple boasts a mild and subdued typing experience. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal, catering to those who prefer either a sharp and snappy feel or a smooth and textured typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Lengthened single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Avocado and HC Studio Crabapple both showcase different housing materials for their switches, with the Avocado featuring a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing, while the Crabapple utilizes a POM top housing and a POM bottom housing. While both switches offer unique sound profiles, the Avocado's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound compared to the Crabapple's POM top housing, which produces a deeper and more muted sound. Additionally, the nylon bottom housing of the Avocado results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, in contrast to the Crabapple's POM bottom housing that also contributes to a deeper and more muted sound.
Despite the differences in housing materials between the Bsun Avocado and HC Studio Crabapple, they both aim to offer a pleasant typing experience with unique sound profiles. The polycarbonate top housing of the Avocado creates a clear and resonant sound ideal for RGB lighting, while the POM top housing of the Crabapple provides a deeper and muted sound. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing of the Avocado absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound, while the POM bottom housing of the Crabapple contributes to a deeper sound profile. Overall, both switches aim to enhance the overall typing experience with their distinct housing materials.
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Avocado and HC Studio Crabapple, it is clear that the choice of materials greatly impacts the sound profile and feel of the switches. The split between the top and bottom housing allows for a more nuanced typing experience, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing impacts the sound when releasing a key. While the Avocado and Crabapple offer different sound profiles due to their respective housing materials, they both strive to provide a satisfying typing experience with their unique qualities and characteristics.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Avocado tactile switch and the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch, it is evident that the Avocado requires a heavier force compared to the Crabapple. The Avocado has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. In contrast, the Crabapple has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, classifying it as a lighter switch. The Avocado provides a more substantial typing experience with its higher force requirements, while the Crabapple offers a lighter touch, ideal for longer typing sessions or gaming marathons. Both switches offer unique benefits based on personal preference, with the Avocado catering to those who prefer a stronger push feel, and the Crabapple suitable for those who enjoy a lighter typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Bsun Avocado tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, with the Avocado being slightly shorter than the Crabapple. For those who prefer a quicker response time, the Avocado may be the better option, as its shorter travel distance allows for faster actuation. On the other hand, the Crabapple offers a slightly deeper key press, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference regarding travel distance and typing feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Bsun Avocado has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Avocado for $4.00.
The HC Studio Crabapple has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Crabapple for $4.70.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
In terms of sound, the Bsun Avocado tactile switch is known for its mild and neutral sound signature, providing an unobtrusive background noise to the typing experience. On the other hand, the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch is described as having a subdued sound, producing a dampened noise when pressed, giving a more subtle sound profile compared to most switches. Both switches offer a quieter typing experience, with the Avocado leaning towards a neutral sound and the Crabapple offering a more subdued auditory feedback.
Moving on to the tactile feel, the Bsun Avocado switch is characterized by its pronounced tactility, offering satisfying feedback without being overwhelming. It is described as accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy, providing a tactile sensation that is both responsive and immersive. In contrast, the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch is crafted from POM material, delivering a frictionless typing experience with a subtle texture felt with each keypress. The Crabapple is described as frictionless, mild, and textured, providing a smooth and effortless typing journey with a gentle feel that is approachable to most users.
Overall, the Bsun Avocado tactile switch excels in delivering a tactile experience with a pronounced bump and buttery downstroke, accompanied by a mild and neutral sound signature. On the other hand, the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch offers a smooth and frictionless typing experience with a subdued sound profile and subtle texture. Both switches provide unique qualities that cater to different preferences in sound and feel, ensuring a satisfying typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. Whether you choose the Avocado for its pronounced tactility or the Crabapple for its effortless smoothness, you can expect a high-quality typing experience with either switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the BSUN Avocado tactile switch and the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch, consider the type of typing experience you are looking for. If you value a prominent tactile feedback with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Avocado switch is a great choice. Its snappy and responsive bump provides a satisfying typing sensation without being overwhelming. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and lighter typing journey with a light bottom out force, the Crabapple switch might be more suitable. Crafted from POM, these switches offer a frictionless experience with a subtle texture felt with each keystroke. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for tactile feedback and typing feel.
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